Richmond County, NY Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Swimming pool barriers in Richmond County are governed by NYC Building Code §3109 and Appendix G (residential swimming pools), which adopt and amend the ICC/IRC barrier standards, plus New York State Executive Law §378(5-b) and 19 NYCRR Part 1228 (pool alarm requirement). Key requirements for Staten Island residential pools (in-ground and above-ground with walls under 48 inches): barrier minimum 48 inches measured from grade on the non-pool side; maximum 2-inch ground clearance; vertical slats no more than 1.75 inches apart on chain-link (or use slats to reduce openings); horizontal members more than 45 inches apart on the outside to prevent climbing. Gates must open outward from the pool, be self-closing with a self-latching device at least 54 inches above grade, and be locked when the pool is not in use. Pool alarms that sound when a person or object falls into the water are mandatory statewide for pools installed or substantially altered after 2006 (Exec. Law §378(5-b)). A house wall may serve as part of the barrier only if all doors leading to the pool have audible alarms or are equipped with self-closing/self-latching hardware 54 inches high. Permits (DOB) and final inspection are mandatory before water is added, and DOHMH regulates water quality for any pool serving more than one dwelling unit.